P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has started the season on the back-foot, not scoring a podium in the first two races, but returns to a track it impressed at last season.
Toto Wolff aims to use insights from the Australian Grand Prix to drive Mercedes’ development goals for the rest of the season, emphasizing the team’s main weakness. Despite a challenging performance in the Saudi Arabian GP, Mercedes seeks to address its high-speed struggles highlighted by Hamilton’s difficulties with rear stability. The W15 package excels in low and medium-speed corners, but high-speed weaknesses remain a pressing concern described as a “fundamental issue” by Wolff. Despite setbacks during the 2023 season, Australia showcased one of Mercedes’ strongest races, with a solid grid presence before Hamilton finished second to Verstappen. Returning to Albert Park, Wolff stresses the importance of gathering data at a circuit with various corner speeds to inform the team’s development direction. Reflecting on the team’s work post-Jeddah, Wolff acknowledges the car’s potential and areas for enhancement, focusing on improving high-speed performance to maximize competitiveness. Mercedes aims to capitalize on learnings for Melbourne and subsequent races to showcase the car’s capability amidst a tight competition field in Formula 1.
